Signal device.



, No. 868,546. PATENTED OCT. l5, 1907.

P. GRAY.

SIGNAL DEVICE.

APPLIUATION FILED Nov. 21, 1901.

3 SHBBTS-SHEET 1.

No. 868,546. PATENTED OGT.15, 1907.

P. GRAY.

SIGNAL DEVICE.

APPLIUATION FILED Nov. 21. 1901. v

' s sHEETs-sHBET 2,

No. 868,546 PATENTED OCT. l5, 1907.

P. GRAY. SIGNAL DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 21. 1901.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

PETER GRAY, CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS.

SIGNAL DEVICE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 15, 1907.

Application filed November 2l, 1901. Serial No. 83,039.

To all whom it `muy concern:

lie it known that l, PETER GRAY, a citizen of the United States, r( riding at Cambridge, in the county of Middlesex and State el' Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Signal Devices', and I do hereby declare the iollowing to be a l'ull, clear, and exact description o1' the invention, such A.is-will enable others skilled in the art to which it appel-tains to make and use the My invention relates to imprm'ements in signal-devices and has special reference to signal-lanterns used struction, and practically incapable o getting out of order.

To attain these desired objects, my invention consists4 oi' a signal-device embodying certain novel eatures ot fonstruetion and combination oi parts, as are substantially disclosed herein; it being understood that I do not conline myself to the specific arrangement and application preferably used by me, as it 'is obvious that the same parts may be used in ditiercnt Ways and be vaiiously modilicd. without departing l'rom the spirit o1' my invention as desuibcd and claimed.

My invention is applicable to signal-devices, whether illuminated by oil, gas, electricity, or other means, and espe( ially such signal-lanterns for railway-eins, signaltowt-rs, switches, and the like, as are provided with a plurality ol' apertures carrying lenses oivarious colors arranged about a common light-source,= the construction ol' the lantern permitting it to be revolved upon its vel tical axis in such a manner as to display any one o1' scverallsignals, at the Will ol' the operator.

lt is somt-tino s 'desired to mask a light from certain directions, or from all dilections save one, in order that thc'obscrver may not be confused by a multiplicity oi' lights, even though they be el different colors. As, lor instance, upon a railway-line having a curve or loop, or other lines crossing at an angle, signal-lanterns ol' the old type carlicd by trains on an intersecting track would disclose laterally signals which might readily be mistaken by the observer l'or signals carried by a train approaching him, and of entirely different import.

l provide means by which the .signal-lights may be displayed or masked, as desired, and thelantern secured in an operative position, and by means ol' which the operator may be able to adjust the signals at will and ascertain With certainty the signal that is vbeing displayed and know that the light is properly burning.`

All o which will be hereinaiter more particularly set out. Preerably such means are embodied in a lantern comprising a light inclosing body provided with a plurality oi regions adapted to permit the passage oi light rays from a source ot' light within, such regions forming signals, and a screen, the body and screen being relatively movablel'so as to permit the view of light rays from such of the signal regions as may be desired. But by relatively movable I do not wish to imply that both the light inclosing body and screen are capable oi motion', all that is necessary is that the two members shall not be stationary with reterence'tocach other. An indicator is also provided, having signals corresponding to those oi the body; and means are furnished `for-selecting for observation such of` these signals as correspond to the signals made lvisible in the bod-y.

Considering the invention' more specilically from the same point of view, the preferred embodiment includes a rotatably supported lantern body having a plurality of signal regions, and a second member comprising a cap, a stationary screen,` and a source of light, all independently supported with reference to the lanternl Vthe accompanying drawings (in which similar-letters refer to similar parts throughout), a prefered orm ol' the same, as applied to a signal-lantern.

In these drawings; Figure 1 is a view in front elevation of a signal-lantern embodying my improved features of construction; Fig. 2 is a view in vertical section of a lantern-body, displaying in operative position i 'descent bulb Fig. 5 is a plan view, partly in horizontal section, showing the relative arrangement of the lightsource, the screen, and the signal-lenses or apertures of the lantern, with langes; Fig. (3 is a perspective view ol the stepped support or base, upon which the lantern rests when inoperative position, and shows the slots and a lug coperating to secure the lantern against rotation; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the cap allixed to the lower end ot the depending, two-part, tubular stem (Figs. l and 2), serving as a hand-piece, by means of which the lantern may be rotated, aud'carrying on its lower surface an hidicator-disk provided with varisupporting brackets J'', .Vl for bearing an oil `lamp J4.

i event that it be desired to display two or more lights in colored sectors and indicator-glasses corresponding in position and color to the signals carried by the lantern. Fig. 8 is a view showing my device as applied to -a signal'lantern using oil as an illuminant. Fig. 9 is a de-` tail view oi' the indicator-screenor masking-device carried by`the depending two-part tubular stem.

Referring more specifically to the construction as illustrated in the drawings, A' is an open-topped lantern-body provided with a hinged door B. with its tastening b, and carrying a plurality ot' signal-apertures fitted with lenses C ot' different-colored glass. The lenscasings D extend inward, forming flanges d. The lantern is shown as rotatably mounted on the support E above the car-roof l` and adapted to be operatively rotat'ed by means of a hollow stem extending below the roof and serving as a pivot, as will be more fully explained hereafter.

' Above the lantern-body is the usual hood G, which may be ventilated, or not, according as the lantern is used with different illuminants. By reason of the tact that fiangeG loosely encircles the open top oi the lantern body, hood or cap G may be readily removed from the body, and, when in position, permitsthe rotation and limited vertical movement of the lantern body. As shown, this hood and tubular support, together with their attending appurtenances, may be readily removed by looseningT the screw h, thus affording ready access to `the interior of the lantern-body. Cap G carries means for supporting a source of light within the lantern body'. Such means may consist in a socket J1 for receiving an incandescent bulb J, as shown in Fig. 2, or, as illustrated in Fig. 8, may constitute suitable Bulb J is operatively connected with Wires I and, through them, to any suitable generating system.

Also mounted upon the hood G and inclosing the lamp J is a screen K removably secured in position by means of the screws k, and so adjusted as to obstruct the passage oi the light in all save desired directions. Ordinarily, this casing would be constructed with the opening on but one side, as at Kf, and thus permit but onesignal-lcns tobe illuminated at a time; but, in the combination, the casing can be made with a plurality i' ot openings in the directions desired, without-depart ing from the spirit ot' my invention. The lamp J and screen K, being attached to the hood G, are readily removed with it from the lantern by loosening the screw h, as stated.

By means of the flanges d projecting inward from the lens-easing D and adapted to fit closely about ,the screen K, as shown in Fig. 5, the rays of light from the lamp J are etfectually shut off from all lenses other than such as may be in front of the screen-opening.

Opening into the lantern-body A and depending from the bottom a` thereof, through the roof F, and Within easy reach of the operator, is a tubular stem L. Upon the end of the stem, or in any other position convenient of access, is affixed, by means of the screw ym, a cap M, which serves as a handlpiece, by means ot which the lantern may be'rotated. This cap carries a dist: N,` with the sectors of its surface colored tno-correspond to the signal-lenses ol the lantern, with which it rotates. The disk also carries the indicator-glasses t), corresponding in color and position to the signal lenses proper. This tubular stem is so disposed relative to the lamp that its bore coincides with the direction ot' light radiation, and the lamp thus serves to illuminate the indicator-glasses and enable them to be easily read; also, by'means ol the indicator-glasses, the operator ma y assure himsell that the light is properly burning. Il' desired, this indicator-cap may be so masked as to display but one color, that corresponding to the color displayed bythe lantern, as, for instance, by an indicator screen or masking-device N2, provided with an opening N3, and supported upon the stem for shutting ott thc light from all the apertures s'ave one, said indicatorscreen being carried by a hanger Y4 adjustally sustained by a ring N5 which cneirclcs the stem P (hereinafter described), as'shownin Figs. l and 2: or all the colors may be simultaneously shown` their relative positions indicating to the operator which signal is being displayed.

lantern, in order to display a different: signal.

Secured to and depending from the lantern-support is another tubular stem P, adapted to inclose the indicator-stem L and serve as a bearing or guide within which it may be rotated, and permitting, also, ot a longitudinal movement limited in extent by the flange or stop Q' formed by the cap M upon the end of the 'indicator-stem L. By means of the extended bearing at'- forded by this bearing or guide P, the vertical and revolnble movements of the lantern are rendered free from lateral ,play and given greater precision. tarried by the upper end of this tubular guide is a plate or base R provided with slots S corresponding in number to thc signal-lenses in thelantern and so arranged as to engage one or more lugs T depending from the bottonra of the lantern-body. This plate R is also provided with a step U adapted to extend upward within a corresponding recess V (shown in dotted lines in Fig. (i) in the lantern-base a, and thereby serve as an additionalV security against accidental disengagement ol' the lugs and slots.

It will be understood that. lugs 'l` serve to lock the lantern body against rotation at any one ol' a plurality of points, and, that during rotation -ol' the body, they ride upon the surface oll plate R, thus maint-.lining the body in an elevated position.

It will be understood, of course, that the relative arrangement o the step and recess, and also ot' the slots and lugs, may be changed, and that other modittuions of construction and application not involving invention, will readily suggest themselves to a skilled mechanic.

The lantcrn,as constructed. consists practically in two independently supported, separable menrbr rs. one member comprising the lantern body. and the other member including the cap, screen and source ol' light or the support therefor. Support E, base tit, and bot` toni a of the lantern body may be considered as l'orming, in general, the supporting means for the hintern body; and bracket H, which may be regarded as constituting the support for the other member ol' the lantern` is entirely separate from und iiuhpelnlcnt ot such supporting means and the lantern body. [ly lhis urrangement, the. construction ot'the lantern is greatly simplified.

The cap M is fixed tothe stem which dei pends from the lantern, and serves as a handle to be grasped by the operator when he desires to rotate the llt) The operation of my improved signal-lantern is as follows: The lantern-body A carrying a plurality oi lenses C and inclosing a lamp .l and screen K, as applied to use upon a surface or elevated railway is ordinarily ailixed to the roof of the car. As stated, it is usually desired that the signal shall be displayed only to those to the iront oi the ear. 1n case the operator desires to display a green light, for example, he, from his post on the platform or within the car, grasps the hand-piece M. and, pushing upward,- lifts'the lantern sulliciently to iree the lug '1 from engagement with the slot S, which it is occupying. The lug being freed by lifting, he then gives a rotary movement to the handpiece and'thus revolves the lantern-body and the signal-lenses carried by it, and, the screen remaining stationary, another signal-lens is brought to a position in iront oi the sereen-opening li, where it can receive and transmit the light-rays. By means oi the relative position and colors of the indicator-glasses O and the varicoloreddisk N, the operator is enabled intellircntly to rotate the signal-lantern so as to quickly and with certainty bring any desired signal-lens into 'operative position, and having done so, as shown by the indicator, he allows the lug to drop into the corresponding slot, which may have the upper portion oi its sides beveled to serve as a guide, tlms securely locking the lantern in position to display that particular signal and none other until it'may be desired to effects. change.

lt is to be understood that, for day-time signaling', the construction illustrated may be employed Without change beyond coloring the four exterior sides of the rotatable lantern-body with the usual differentiating signaling-colors (corresponding, respectively, to those oi the dit'icreiitcolored lenses C, as already described) `u which employment oi the device there would, of course, be no occasion to utilize the internal Source of light. The depending indicator would, likewise be provided with different-colored indicating portions.

While my invention is also adapted to use on ships, light-houses, signal-towers, and switches, and to many other appli z ttions, it is particularly adapted to service upon elevated railways, where it is desired to display. certain signals in certain directions and none other. l accomplish these objects by means of a lantern simple `but durable in construction, positive inA action, practically prooi against accidental disarrangement, and so disposed as to be readily accessible to the operator for the purpose of ascertaining Whether the light is burning and the proper signal being displayed, and of suchconstruetion as to make it easy to change the signal at the proper time with certainty and despatch.

Yv'hereiore, having iully'described my invention, what l claim as new and desire to secure by Letters- Patent is: i

1. In a signal device, the combination with an opentopped lantern body. und means for supporiiiu,r the same; oi :t source of lie'ht within the body and removable through such -open top. and :i bracket supporting said source, being independent ol' the supporting means for the body and mounted ai' one side of the body and extending above the lutter.

2. In n signal device, the combination with an opentopped lantern body, und means for Supporting the same; of' n cup coverinr,4 such open top, n source of light carried by said cup within the body. and a support for the cap and source separate from the supporting means lor the body and mounted exterior to and independently of the body, the cap and source being together removable from the open top of the body.

3. In a signal device, the combination with an openv topped lantern body, and means for supportingr the salue; of an upright bracket`distinet from said supporting means removably mounted at one side of the lantern body und' i having,r o. laterally projecting arm, :1 cap secured to snid arm and removably covering the open top of the body, and :i source of light within said body carried by said cap and removable therewith from the body.

4. In` a signal device, the-combination with a hintern body having an open top, and vvith means for supporting the body; of a removable cap provided with a depending flange loosely inclosing the open iop-o1' the lantern body, a source of light within the body carried by said cap and removable therewith from the body, and a support separate from the supporting means for the body secured to said cap and mounted exterior to and independently of the body.

In a'signal device,'tlie combination with an opentopped lantern body provided with a plurality of signal regions constructed to permit the pas ige of light rays from within; of a removable cap covering the open iop of` the lantern body, a screen carried by said cap and movahly arranged relatively to the body to temporarily obstruct the view of light rays from certain of the signal regions, und light supporting means also carried by the cup and arranged to support a source o1 light within the lantern body, said cap, screen and supporting means being removable as one member from the body.

(i. In a signal device, the combination with un opentopped lantern body provided with a plurality of signal regions constructed to permit the passage of light rays from within; of n cap arranged to give access to the interior oi' the body, :i screen carried by said cap and movably arranged relatively to the body to temporarily obstruct the view of light rays from certain of the signal regions, and light supportingr means also carried by the cap and arranged to support a source of light within the lantern body, said cap screen and supporting means being movable as one member with reference to the body.

7. ln a signal device, the combination with a source orf light, a rotatable lantern body inclosing said source and provided with a plurality of differentiated signal regions, :1nd,a support upon which the body rotates; of :i slntiom ary screen suspended within the lantern body and removable through the 'top thereof, and a support for said screen extending above the body, said support beingr independent of the body and distinct from the support therefor.

ltl. In a signal device, the combination with a lantern body provided with a plurality ol' differentiated signal regions, und means for rotatably supporting said body of a stationary screen suspended within the lantern body, a source of light carried thereby, and :l support for said screen and source extending' above the body, said support being independent oi' the Inutern body und distinct from the support. therefor, :ind the screen and source being: iog'ether removable through the top oi' the body.

.l. 1n a signal device, the combination with n lantern body provided with' :i plurality of diilercntinted signal .reons. and means for rotatably supporting.' said body; of n cup cover-ine.- the lop ol the body, a stationary screen suspended from said cap within the body, und a source of light also carried within the body vby the cup, said cap, screen and source being removable as one member from the iop of the lantern body; und of a support, l'or said member independent from the body and distinct from the supporting.,r means therci'or.

1t). In a signal device. the combination, with a source oi light, a rotatable lantern bod inclosiirg,- .said source and provided with :i plurality oi' differentiated signal regions. n support` upon which the body rotates, and means for rotating.: the body secured to the lower portion thereof; oi u stationary screen suspended within the hintern body and removable through theiop lhereol', and a brucketstIpporting,r said screen. being,r distinct from the support for said body and mounted ai one side ol' the body und extending above the lutter. v

11, 1n a signal device, the combination with a rotatable lantern body adapted to receive a source of light. a stationary base beneath said body. and a device constructed to lock the body to said base at any one of a plurality of 'points and arranged t0 maintain the body in an elevated elevated position during rotation. an operating stem de-l pending from the body within said sleeve` and serving as a pivot, and a stop encircling said stem arranged to engage with the bearing surface on the lower end of the sleeve to limit the elevation ot tbc lantern body.

1i. In a signal device, the combination of a light-obstructing body provided with a plurality of differentiated regions for permitting the passage of light rays from a *source ot light, such regions constituting si nais. means for temporarily obscuring the view ot light i: from cer- 'tain of tlf regions and permitting such view from other of the regions. an indicator `having signals correspond in;I t0 those of the body. and means for suppressing onlythose signals of the indicator corresponding; to the signals obscured simultaneously in the body and for ex-v hibiting the remainder of the indicator signals, l

14. ln a Signal device. the combination of a light-in closing. body providedvwith a plurality of differentiated regions for permittingy the passage of light rays from within. such regions constituting signals. means i`or temporarily obscuring the view of ligllt rays from certain ot the regions and permitting such view trom other ot: the regions. an indicator having signals correspondingto those of, the

body. and means for suppressing only those signals of the' indicator corresponding to the regions obscured simultaneoosy in the body and for exhibiting the remainder of the indicator signals.

l5. ln a signal device. the combination of a light-inelosiiig body provided with a plurality of differentiated regions for permitting the passage of light rays troin within. such regions constituting signals. a screen, the body :ind screen being relatively movable for temporarily obsccuring the view ot' light r s from certain ot' the regions and permitting such view 4from other of the regions. an in dicator having signals corresponding to those ot the body. and meins i'oisuppressing only those signals ot' the indicator corresponding to the signals obscuredsimultaneously i". the body and tor exhibiting the reinaindeiot the indicator signals.

iti. In a signal device. the combination ot' a light-inclosing bozly provided with a plurality ot? ditt'erentiated re gions for permitting the passage ot' lightv r. vs troni within. such regions constituting signals. means tor temporarily obscuring tlie view of light 's t'roiu certain ot' the regions and permitting such view t'roin other ot' the regions. an indicator li: ring signals corresponding to those ol" tht` body. and an opaque masking-plate constructed and arranged relatively to the' body to screen those signals ot' tht` indicator corresponding to those signals obscured simultaneously in the body and for exhibiting the remainder ot' the indicator signals.

i7. ln a signal device, the combination -oi' a liglit-inclosing bo'ly provided with :i plurality ot dilt'erentiatcd regions t'or permitting the passage of light i'ays from within. such regions constitutingsignals. means for temporarily obsciiring the v'iew ot' light ra s from certain ot' the regions and permitting such'view from other ot' the regions. an indicator having liiinnit'erable signals corresponding to those of the body. and means for suppress-ing those signals ot the indicator corresponding to the signals obscured simultaneously in the bodyand for exhibiting thi` remainder ot' the indicator signals.

lts. ln :i si al device. the combination of a light-inclus ing body provided willi a plurality of signals, :in indicator provided with corresponding signals. a common soiii'ce .ot' light constructed and arranged to illuminate said several sti-8,546

signals, and means constructed simultaneously to screen mon source ol light constructed and arranged to illuminate said several signals. and means constructed upon revolution of the lightinclosing body simultaneously to screen similar signals ot' said light-inclosing body and indicator.

2t). ln a signal device. the combination with a light-inclosing body provided with a plurality of differentiated regions tor permitting the passage ot' light rays from within. such regions constituting signals. and a screen constructed. and niovably arranged relatively to the body to obscure the view of light rays temporarily from other than a given region: of an indicator illuminated by light rays from within the body and provided with corresponding; signals. :iudmeans constructed to screen only the indicator signals similar to those screened simultaneously in the body.

2l. In a signal device.. the combination with a lightinclosing body provided with a plurality of diterentiated re*Y gions for permitting the passage of light rays from Within. such regions constituting signals.vand a screen constructed :ind movably arranged relatively to the body to tempo' i'arily obscuro the view of light rays from certain regions and permit such view fronrother of the regions; of an indicator illuminated from within the body and carrying the same signals. and means for masking only the same signals of the indicator as those screened simultaneously in the body.

22. In a signal device. the combination with a light-inl closing body provided with a plurality of differentiated iegions for permitting the passage of light rays l'roin within. such'regions constituting signals. and a screen constructed and inovably arranged relatively to the body to temporarily obscure the view of light rays from certain of the regions and permit such view from other ot' the regions; of a tube communicating with the liglit-inclosing body and arranged to be in line with the source of light therein. and carrying the same'signals as the body. and means for masking only the same indic.-iting signals as thosescreened simultaneously in the body.

22%. In a signal device. the combination with a light-in closing body provided with a plurality of differentiated regions constructed to permit the passage of light rays from within. such regions constituting signals. and a screen constructed and movably arranged relatively to the body to temporarily obscurev the view of light rays from certain of tht` regions and permit such view troin other ot` the regions: ot a tube communicating with the light-inclosiiig body and arranged to be in line with a source of light therein. and carrying indicating signals corresponding to those of the body. and a masking plate supported to cut ott light rays only from the indicating signals correspondw ing to those leiiig screened in the body.

24. l.'i :i signal device; the combination willi :i .rotatable light-inclosing body provided with a plurality ot` dit't'erentiated regions for permitting the passage of. light rays troin within. such regions constituting signals. and a hollow open-'bottomed screen stationarily supported within thc body and provided with an aperture constructed to register with any one of the signal regions; ot a source of light within the screen. a tube communicating with the interior ot the body. an indicator cai'i'ied by the tube in positiou to be illuminated by the source ot' light and provided with light-transmitting signals corresponding to those ot' the body. and means constructed to screen only the indicator signals corresponding to those being screened in the body.

A and niovablyarranged relatively to the body to tempo-v rarily obscure the view of light rays from certain of the regions and permit such view from other ol` thi` regions;

ol' a tube communicating with the light-inclosing body and arranged to be in line with a source of light therein, said tube carrying on vits end indicating signals corresponding to those of the body, and a masking plate supported adjacent said end of the tube and arranged to mask only the indicating signals corresponding to those being screened 1n the body. y

26. ln a signal device, the combination with a rotatable light-incloslng body provided with a plurality of differentiated regions constructed to permit the passage of light rays from within, such regions constituting signals, a hollow open-bottomed screen stationarily supported within the body and provided with an aperture positioned to register with any one of the signal regions, and a source of light supported within the screen; of a tube comniunicating with the interior of the body, an indicator carried by the tube in position to be illuminated by said source and provided with signals corresponding to those of the body, means constructed to screen only the indicator signals corresponding' to those screened in the body, and means constructed to lock the body in position with any ,one of its several signal regions in registry with the aperture in the screen.

27. In a signal-device, the combination with a tubularl rotatable body having a plurality of differentiated` signal regions disposed around its sides; of an indicator having signals corresponding to those of the body, and means for suppressing certain of the indicator signalsI and exhibiting the remainder thereof, said indicator signals'otherwiso being simultaneously visible from one view point.

2S. In a signal device, the combination with a tubular Vrotatable body having a plurality of differentiated signal regions disposed around its sides; of an indicator having signals corresponding to those of the body, and a device operating during the rotation ofthe body to suppress diiIerent groups of the indicator signals, said indicator signals being otherwise simultaneously visible from one view point.

29.A ln a signal device,v the combination with a tubular rotatable body having a plurality of differentiated signal rgions dlsposedaround its sides; of an indicator rotatable with the body and having signals corresponding to those of the body, and a stationary device operating during the rotation of the body to suppress dlirerent groups of the indicator signals, said indicator signals otherwise being simultaneously visible from one view point.

30. In a signal device, the combination witha tubular rotatable light inclosng body having disposed around its sides a plurality of diderentiated regions for permitting the passage of light rays from` within, such regions con stituting signals; of au indicator having signals corexhibiting 'the remainder thereof, said indicator signals otherwise being simultaneously visible from one,viewpoint.

32. In a s ignal device, the combination with a tubular rotatable body having a plurality of differentiated signal regions disposed around -its sides, of 'an indicator depending from below said rotatable body and having signals corresponding to those of theibody, and means, separate one from the other, for suppressing certain vof the signalsV carried, respectively, by said rotatable body and indicator, and exhibiting the remainder thereof, said indicator signals otherwise being simultaneously visible from .one viewpoint, and means for rotating said rotatablel body yto bring its dierentiated signal regions into registerwith those of the indicator.

In testimony whereof, I ailix my signature, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses. v

'PETER GRAY.

Witnesses l CLARENCE P. WESTON, FRANK K. LINSEALT. 

